Sony Ericsson P910a Smartphone

A couple years ago, when AT&T Wireless had become Cingular (which proved to be temporary) and I wanted to add my son onto my cell phone plan, I was told my phone was old technology and wouldn't work on the new plan. So I took the free phone they gave me and went about my way. I hated that free phone! Instead of up and down arrows like my previous phone it had a navigational circle. And the Select button was inside the circle. I've never thought I had giant hands but I could never get my fingers on that Select button without hitting a directional arrow. So, I set off on a quest for a phone without that annoying set up. Apparently I am the only person on the planet who can't handle that button in the middle of the circle because EVERY phone I saw had that kind of set up.

I broadened my search to the internet and looked at actual phone manufacturer sites instead of my provider's site. I came across the Sony P910a and was delighted with the button set up!

I had also decided to splurge and get something with PDA type features and, as an aspiring writer, I wanted to be able to work on a novel whenever and wherever I got a chance. Much to my dismay thought, the P910a was no longer available direct from Sony. So, I did something crazy and turned to eBay. I was extremely nervous about buying such a pricey used item and I did not fully believe that it was an "unlocked" phone and would work with my carrier. But, lo and behold, the phone arrived in excellent condition and was set up with my carrier with only a few minute phone call.

I've had this phone almost two years now and still haven't used all the features! I was disappointed that I didn't receive a hard copy of the user's manual because I like to carry it around with me and read a bit here or there. I did receive the manual in CD format though and have made my way through most of it. I suppose I could have loaded it onto a memory stick and red it through my phone but I didn't know that until I got way into the manual.

One of my favorite features is the rolling dial on the top left of the phone. I was surprised to find that it toggles back and forth and can also be pushed in to Select an entry. I use this dial almost exclusively and quickly became adept at it.

I read that the screen had the best visibility and I have found this to be true. I have yet to encounter a lighting situation that leaves me unable to see the screen. Even in bright sunlight it is extremely good visibility compared to all the other phones I've ever owned.

When I first began using the phone people that I call regularly all commented on how well they could hear me. And I love that the volume is also controlled by the rolling dial which makes it easy to adjust during a call without having to take the phone away from your ear.

The power button is not in the traditional top-of-phone location but is on the left side a little below the middle. This was awkward at first and I cut off several phone calls by accidentally pressing the power but I soon learned how to place and hold my hand comfortably and avoid the power button.

I am also a big fan of the stylus. It took reading the manual to understand that different positions on the screen will result in either numbers (top), CAPS (middle), or regular text (bottom). Once I knew that I have become quite quick. I keep my grocery list in here and tons of other lists.

The calculator is easy to use. I have mine as one of my "desktop" icons so it is always easy to access. It is great that the desktop is easily customized to the user's preferences.

The camera takes decent pictures, a bit grainy but quite good for a cell phone. I have never actually synced the phone but I have put photos as well as Word documents on memory sticks and then inserted the stick into my Sony laptop for easy transfer. I was especially impressed that the mini version of Word on the phone fed right into regular Word without any scrambling or confusion.

I was also a bit nervous, buying this phone second hand, about not having warranty coverage. I had read reviews online that Sony phones typically weren't that good except for the high end ones. Well - this is obviously high end.

The only problem I had with the phone was when I had voice dial set up. The phone tended to dial itself for no apparent reason. It dialed when I was alone in the car and the only noise was on the radio. It dialed when it was in my purse. It dialed when it was sitting on a table and nobody said anything. Even with the "magic word" feature it seemed to not be very particular about hearing the specific word. I believe most times it dialed the first person in the Contact list who was set up for voice dial. Voice dial is a really nice feature and I am sad that I can't use it but it's much less embarrassing to not use it as opposed to calling all sorts of people at random times.

Otherwise this phone is excellent and I have loved every minute I've used it and hope to use it for many years to come.